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Every Hayao Miyazaki movie lives and dies by its heroine. These aren’t background characters or damsels waiting to be rescued; they are the story. They’re not perfect: They cry, they fail, they doubt themselves, but that’s exactly why they stick with us. So yes, ranking them is tricky (and probably controversial). But let’s do it anyway. Here’s every major Miyazaki heroine, listed from worst to best, based on their role in the story, their influence, and just how unforgettable they actually are.

10. Fio Piccolo (Porco Rosso)

Fio is the fiery young airplane engineer who surprises Porco, and the viewers by proving herself in a field dominated by men.

As the weather starts to cool off and the cozy season approaches, HBO Max is doubling down on its role as the premier streaming home for Japanese animation. Already the exclusive U.S. platform for the world-renowned Studio Ghibli library, HBO Max is expanding its acclaimed collection through an extended partnership with distributor Gkids. Beginning September 1, subscribers will have even more award-winning films at their fingertips, just in time for fall movie nights under a blanket.

New Arrivals Strengthen HBO Max’s Ghibli and Gkids Slate

The expansion brings several long-awaited debuts to streaming. Children Who Chase Lost Voices, Fireworks, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, and Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko...

Did you notice that by the end of Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle, there’s a hidden detail that quietly changes everything and delivers a full-circle moment? When Sophie travels back in time and meets a young Howl, he tells her, “find me in the future”.

Now, it feels simple at first, almost like a passing line. But if you remember what Howl said much earlier in the movie, during his first meeting with Sophie—“I was looking everywhere for you”—the story suddenly clicks into a perfect circle.

Well, this is not just a coincidence; it’s destiny. This tiny detail shows that Sophie was always meant to...

Is it going to be a golden year for anime at the Oscars?

In its 98-year history, the Academy Awards has recognized only a handful of anime titles — and never with more than one nomination per film. That could finally change with Netflix’s global sensation “KPop Demon Hunters,” the animated musical-action hybrid that has become the most-watched film in the platform’s history.

Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film fuses anime-inspired visuals with K-pop choreography and supernatural storytelling. It follows a world-touring girl group who moonlight as demon slayers, balancing stadium shows with sword fights. What began as a genre experiment is now a cultural juggernaut and a serious Oscar contender.

Since debuting on Netflix on June 20, “KPop Demon Hunters” has amassed 236 million views, surpassing the previous record holder, “Red Notice” (230.9 million). It also received a theatrical rollout to meet the Academy’s eligibility requirements, opening...

Before Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castleenters Western theaters, the film has already been dethroned one of the best anime films of the mid-2010s. Your Name, by Makoto Shinkai, has lost its spot as Japan’s highest-grossing film of all time to the latest Demon Slayer film, thus setting the stage for what's to come once the film arrives in theaters this September.

When Your Name came out in 2016, the feature generated ¥25.17 billion, making it the second-largest gross for a domestic film in the country, behind Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away. But that changed when Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train came out...

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has many standout moments, but it’s the Ring Scene from episode 14 that has truly convinced me that Frieren is just a Ghibli movie in anime format. While watching it, I couldn’t help but feel my breath catch. This quiet exchange between Frieren and Himmel carries emotional weight that is often found in Ghibli works.

Just like a Ghibli movie, Frieren allows the space for the audience to linger, and because of its episodic format, it creates moments that a one or two-hour film can never include.

Frieren‘s Ring Scene Perfectly Captures the Ghibli Magic Frieren’s ring scene is a Ghibli-esque scenario | Credits: Madhouse

Ghibli movies have always felt like moving paintings. Every frame bursts with lush and vibrant backgrounds. The scenes are unhurried, and everything takes its own time to play out. Even the most mundane objects get their own screentime, creating...

The entire animation community owes a lot to the legendary Hayao Miyazaki – the filmmaker who single-handedly put Studio Ghibli on the map, creating one exemplary work after another. The Pakistani Oscar entry “The Glassworker”, which is also the only entirely hand-drawn animation from the country to date, sees debut filmmaker Usman Riaz harkening back to Miyazaki’s work, especially the likes of “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “The Wind Rises.”

The strong undercurrent of anti-war sentiments, while also serving a simple, grounded story about family, loss, love, and compassion with a touch of whimsy, is what makes Miyazaki’s work stand apart. Filmmaker Riaz is not trying to ape Miyazaki. However, his inspirations are so blatant and out there that no matter how much hard work and heart (the film took around a decade to create) have been put into it, you simply can’t look at a single frame in...

No one can write a song as extreme as Car Bomb. That’s because no other band can sound like them. In case there was a need to put that beyond a shadow of a doubt, their brand new EP, Tiles Whisper Dreams , is likely the most intense 12 minutes of music you’ll hear all year. I had a conversation with guitarist Greg Kubacki about the new EP and learning about the artistic process via watching Akira . The new EP, Tiles Whisper Dreams , is finally out. How are you feeling? How was that recording process? Tell me all about it. Greg Kubacki : It was long. So we started writing like in 2019, after Mordial was out. We just kept writing and writing and writing, and we really wanted to make the best songs possible. Our intention was to put out a full-length. But some of the songs are just quite not there yet.

Popular Shonen anime like Sakamoto Days and Naruto might draw massive watch time on Netflix, but Studio Ghibli’s timeless movies have quietly stolen the spotlight yet again. According to a Netflix report, Ghibli classics like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle have garnered 6 million viewing hours each, which is a staggering number for any film. On the other hand, Sakamoto Days season 1 has received 24 million view hours while Naruto has attracted 45 million view hours across all seasons.

It is visible that Hayao Miyazaki’s magic continues to capture the hearts of people decades after his movies have been released. The enchanting storytelling unique to Ghibli has stolen the hearts of Netflix households, even amidst a massive anime boom. Netflix is streaming Ghibli movies in most countries outside of the United States and Japan.

Ghibli Outshines Competitors Like Naruto or Sakamoto Days

Hayao Miyazaki might have released his latest title...

In 2023, prominent animation director Takeshi Honda collaborated with Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki on the latter's coming-of-age fantasy epic, The Boy and the Heron. Recently, Honda returned to Ghibli to create an animated short for Marushin -- a company that has been partnered with Studio Ghibli for over 30 years.

Initially founded in 1966, Marushin is a popular manufacturer of high-quality towels in Japan. The company became a licensing partner with Studio Ghibli in 1994, thus allowing Marushin to release collaborative products bearing motifs and themes from Ghibli's works. As detailed on Marushin's official site, Studio Ghibli recently helped its 30-year-old affiliate create its first-ever TV commercial. The short features a small white dog happily chasing after various objects, including Porco Rosso's red seaplane and the little car driven by Sousuke's mother in Ponyo. By the end of the commercial, the dog is sitting with a bright yellow towel at its feet. Cbr...

The Wind Rises proves that Hayao Miyazaki isn’t just the king of flying castles, soot sprites, and heartwarming chaos; he also has the chops to absolutely crush a full-blown romance movie, and he really should do it. Yes, there has always been romance in Ghibli films: like the sweet mutual admiration between Ashitaka and San from Princess Mononoke or even the magical messiness of Sophie and Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle.

But we’re talking real, grown-up, heart-thumping, tear-jerking romance, the sort that crashes into you like a train. And guess what? Hayao Miyazaki nailed it in The Wind Rises, that beautiful, melancholic, painfully underrated gem from 2013. It’s a deeply emotional love story about a man obsessed with his passion, a woman battling illness, and a relationship blooming quietly amidst chaos. Let’s dive in.

Wait, What? Hayao Miyazaki Made a Romance Film?!

So, in The Wind Rises...

Alright, Studio Ghibli fans, let’s talk about a Netflix series that slipped under the radar but absolutely shouldn’t have. While everyone was busy freaking out over Jujutsu Kaisen cliffhangers and Dandadan chaos, Netflix low-key dropped a series that feels like it flew straight out of Hayao Miyazaki‘s dream journal. It’s called Leviathan, and no, it’s not a Ghibli movie, but oh boy, it might as well be.

Flying whale airships? Check. Spunky teens? Check. Weird steampunk vs. nature-powered warfare? Triple check. If that sounds like Castle in the Sky had a crazy love child with Porco Rosso, you’re not far off. Let’s get into why Leviathan is basically Netflix’s unofficial Studio Ghibli tribute, and why you need to see it Asap.

Flying Machines, Whales, and Magic? Hayao Miyazaki Would Be Proud

So here’s the brief rundown: Leviathan is an adaptation of...

Some cliche somewhere said that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words.’ This has proven to be the case for me and especially when it comes to fan art. I have always sought out great fan art and have wanted to share it with as many people as possible. “Awesome Art” is the outlet for that passion. In this column, I will showcase the kick-ass artwork of some great artists, with the hopes that these artists get the attention they deserve. That’s the aim. If you have any questions or comments, or even suggestions of art or other great artists, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.

The Boy and the Heron by Conor Fenner-Torra

Castle in the Sky by John Dunn

Howl’s Moving Castle by Raf Banzuela

Kiki’s Delivery Service by Conor Smyth

My Neighbour Totoro by George Townley

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind...

Alright, let’s be clear about one thing: yes, Hayao Miyazaki’s art style is instantly recognizable. From those lovely skies to the warm food close-ups and fantastical creatures, Ghibli movies look stunning. But what really makes them stand out? It’s not just how they look. It’s the way they move. The beauty of Ghibli exists in its animation, not the static images, but the motion between them.

That’s what makes it timeless, while other movies age like a banana on a hot sidewalk. Pop in Kiki’s Delivery Service or Princess Mononoke, and they still hold up decades later. Meanwhile, early CGI? Yeah, Toy Story was groundbreaking, but today it kinda looks like a PlayStation 1 cutscene. Studio Ghibli films don’t just age well, they become absolutely timeless.

Exaggeration + detail = Hayao Miyazaki’s secret formula

2D animation has this strange power to remain contemporary, and Hayao...

A rare piece of Studio Ghibli artwork by Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno has been rediscovered and will soon make its public debut.

Per Oricon, the image is an original layout of the heavy cruiser Maya, intended for Studio Ghibli's landmark anime movie Grave of the Fireflies,which Anno worked on as a key animator ahead of its 1988 premiere. The artwork will be exhibited at the Takahata Isao Exhibition: The Man Who Planted Japanese Animation, which opens June 27 at Azabudai Hills Gallery and runs through Sept. 15. Anno's Maya layout will be presented alongside a harmony cel based on the sketch, which features a painterly technique "for greater realism, resembling fine art."

Rare Studio Ghibli Artwork Rediscovered for Grave of the Fireflies Image via Akiyuki Nosaka / Shinchosha / Isao Takahata / Studio Ghibli

When Anno's long-lost Studio Ghibli artwork makes its exhibition debut, it will be a part of a larger gallery...

Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback has now stayed in first place at Japanese box office for five consecutive weekends since its release on April 18, according to Kogyo Tsushinsha . In its fifth weekend from May 16-18, the 28th Detective Conan/Case Closed anime feature film earned 516 million yen (3.56 million Usd) on 346,000 admissions — only a 17% week-to-week drop. It now has a 30-day cumulative of 12.2 billion yen (84.2 million Usd) earned from 8.43 million ticket sales. The movie has also become the 31st top-grossing film in Japan's all-time box office ranking , surpassing Hayao Miyazaki's 2013 film The Wind Rises (12.02 billion yen). Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning , the eighth installment in the Mission: Impossible live-action film series starring Tom Cruise, came in second and earned 449 million yen (3.1 million Usd) on 281,000 admissions in its first Saturday-Sunday weekend in Japan. However, these results were only obtained from advanced screenings with a limited number of showings. The film is...

Makoto Shinkai’s most notable movies are probably Your Name, Weathering With You, and Suzume. You might notice that all of them have a similar theme of romantic separation, longing, a disastrous event, and the power of love. As a long-time fan of Shinkai, I have loved his tried and tested formula.

These films have taken me through a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and with an ending that sparked hope in me for a better tomorrow. And who doesn’t love that? In this world full of terrible mishaps and daily injustices, Shinkai’s movies deliver a dose of resilience of humankind with a sprinkling of stunning visuals. But it’s high time that the director breaks out of his repetitive tropes.

Makoto Shinkai has a hard lesson to learn from Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki has experimented with a variety of genres. While movies like Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service...

Let’s be real, Studio Ghibli is basically a legend factory. They’ve produced some of the most iconic animated movies of all time, from Totoro to Spirited Away. But when their latest movie, The Boy and the Heron, dropped in 2023, it wasn’t just the movie getting attention. Fans were excited because the one and only, the retired legend Hayao Miyazaki, was back behind the wheel. Again.

But guess who wasn’t super thrilled about that? Hayao Miyazaki himself. In fact, the guy called his own comeback ‘pathetic.’ No kidding. He actually wrote it down in a memo. Let’s dive into this bizarre, heartfelt, and ultimately inspiring journey of a guy who just can’t stop making movies, even when he says he’s done for good.

“It’s pathetic, but I kinda want to make another movie”: Hayao Miyazaki on his comeback

Miyazaki has been at...

Both Hayao Miyazaki and Hideaki Anno are maestros in the anime industry. But did you know that both knew each other? Their relationship dates back to the 1980s when Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind was released. Anno was a huge part of the project as a fresher.

Anno appeared almost like a savior just 5 months before the release of Nausicaa when the entire team was beset with delays. He was a curious fella and a recent dropout who had captured the attention of Miyazaki himself. But Anno’s weird way of dropping out of the sky made Miyazaki interested in him, which only increased once he saw Anno’s way of living and art style.

Hayao Miyazaki had a curious first impression of Hideaki Anno

When Anno first arrived at Topcraft, the studio which created Nausicaa before the creation of Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki had a curious encounter with Hideaki Anno.

Let’s get real for a moment: most animated movies love a good villain. You know the kind: evil laugh, over-the-top costume, no redeeming qualities whatsoever. They want power, revenge, or just to watch the world burn. And the hero? Always pure-hearted and brave, just waiting to save the day. Very straightforward. But Studio Ghibli, led by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, said, “Nah, we’re not doing that.”

Instead of resorting to that old good vs. evil formula, Ghibli films give us something way more interesting: they’re imperfect, nuanced, and relatable. From Princess Mononoke to Spirited Away to Howl’s Moving Castle, the ‘bad guys’ aren’t really just bad guys? They totally have depth. And in the end? You will even find yourself liking them!

What if ‘bad guys’ aren’t bad? Hayao Miyazaki flipping the script with perspective

Let’s take a quick look at how most villains work in classic anime stories.

A Look At Studio Ghibli’s 10 Highest-Grossing Movies! (Photo Credit – Netflix/Instagram)

Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, is the world’s most acclaimed and famous animation studio. The studio has entertained global audiences for several decades now and is renowned for its sheeny hand-drawn artistry and imaginative storytelling.

Studio Ghibli has changed the global dynamics of the film industry with its numerous critically and commercially successful movies, and its works have transcended age and culture. Below are the top 10 highest-grossing Studio Ghibli movies of all time, a testament to the studio’s global influence and enduring legacy.

1. Spirited Away ($358M)

At the top of the list sits Hayo Miyazaki’s most famous masterpiece, Spirited Away. It is the story of a young girl named Chihiro who becomes trapped in a mysterious spirit world. There, she encounters a host of enchanting and eerie characters...

There are very few animators whose works pass the test of time, and Hayao Miyazaki is one of them. He often blends fantasy and realism in his movies to outline core themes. There’s war, ecological conflicts, nature, and humanity, which intermingle all so perfectly within the storylines.

Most of his movies are filled to the brim with emotional weight and experiences that tug at heartstrings. Loss, despair, and self-discovery are also some complexities that are a common thread. The sprinkle of personal touch makes it all too special, and this Ghibli movie is no different.

Not Spirited Away, but yet another masterpiece stemmed from Miyazaki’s personal experience. This ultimate ingredient makes the movie a recipe for success. On the whole, this work of his is a true marker of craftsmanship, and here’s how.

The personal touch in Hayao Miyazaki’s best movie

Ghibli movies hit different for many reasons.

Hayao Miyazaki is the number one opposition of CGI and AI-assisted animation. The director and creator has expressed his opinions on such endeavors plenty of times, and has always upheld hand-drawn animation over everything else. But Miyazaki did not build his hatred without ever giving technology a chance.

In fact, CG techniques are used in Ghibli movies during the production process. Miyazaki has incorporated CG techniques into his hand-drawn movies like Spirited Away, so he isn’t completely averse to the idea. But he has never liked creating a movie entirely out of computer-generated images.

Hayao Miyazaki once made a CG animated short movie

After the release of The Wind Rises, Hayao Miyazaki announced his retirement, which, as every anime fan knows, eventually failed. Toshio Suzuki, the producer of Ghibli, realized that Miyazaki still wanted to work on projects. Thus, he asked the director if he wanted to create a...

Hayao Miyazaki is a true maverick when it comes to storytelling and animation. His ideas, thoughts, and approaches have shaped people’s outlook on life, art, and society as a whole. It isn’t surprising that his films inspire awe and self-reflection.

He blends fantastical elements with realism, which makes every story unique. The same goes for Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata, who was in a league of his own. He gave us one of the most jarring movies, underlining the realities of war.

While both are seasoned animators, it was clear that Miyazaki was scared of his colleague. This had to do with Takahata’s different way of living and his key approach. But this also means that both Ghibli directors are visionaries in every aspect.

Hayao Miyazaki is scared of Isao Takahata

While the internet calls him a grumpy old man, we know one thing about Hayao Miyazaki:...

Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon are big names in the anime industry. I have grown up watching both their works. Both have served cult classics that remain unparalleled in their respective genres. The works of both creators and directors have led to a huge international exposure.

Be it Perfect Blue and Paprika or My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, the works of these two mammoth creators are legendary. But the difference between the two has always stood out to me.

While both creators specialize in anime movies, their works could not be more different. While Satoshi Kon invokes a feeling of uneasiness and eeriness, Miyazaki loves creating whimsical and fantastical tales. In fact, they are the perfect parallels to each other.

Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon have perfectly contrasting approaches

Hayao Miyazaki mainly creates movies for children. His target has always been children, and adults are simply a secondary thought in his works.

The Wind Rises is hands down one of my favorite movies when it comes to Hayao Miyazaki’s filmography because of its uniqueness. For this film, Miyazaki took on a different approach and dabbled with themes that he otherwise did not really work with.

Even he himself thought this was unlike any of his other works and almost decided not to make the film. Thankfully, he chose to create this masterpiece, whose conclusion still brings tears to my eyes.

However, even after its completion, this movie faced a lot of criticism because of the touchy subject matter it dealt with. Miyazaki was aware of all the controversies surrounding the movie as he addressed them in one of his interviews.

Why Hayao Miyazaki almost didn’t make The Wind Rises

The Wind Rises was started by Hayao Miyazaki as a manga out of his hobby for art. Later, his producer gave...

Hayao Miyazaki is retiring? No kidding. We’ve heard that before. If you’re a longtime fan of Studio Ghibli, you know the drill by now: Miyazaki ‘retires,’ and then makes another timeless classic a couple of years later like nothing even happened. From Princess Mononoke to The Wind Rises, every film was supposedly his final bow, until the next one showed up.

But The Boy and the Heron? This one hits differently. It doesn’t read as another chapter. It reads as the epilogue, the final, bittersweet goodbye. And now, in a new interview from Gkids, the U.S. distributor of the film, Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki may have just confirmed what fans have long feared but secretly kinda accepted: Miyazaki has retired. For real this time. No take-backs!

The Boy and the Heron: A farewell that actually feels real this time

Suzuki discusses in the interview how...

Before he became known for Spirited Away and multiple Studio Ghibli films, Hayao Miyazaki made his directorial debut in 1978 with the anime series Future Boy Conan. The series has 26 episodes and is based on the 1970 novel The Incredible Tide. As Miyazaki's works continue to find love to this day, this series is finally making its way to streaming.

According to IndieWire, Future Boy Conan will be available to stream on RetroCrush this April. However, not all episodes will be available at once and will be released on a weekly basis. In addition, the show will be streamed on the Fast version of RetroCrush on April 20, 22, and 27 as part of its Hayao Miyazaki-themed marathons.

Future Boy Conan is a show about a boy named Conan, who was raised on an island by his grandfather in a post-apocalyptic world. Years later, he meets a girl named Lana, who was raised on another surviving island.

It would be a gross understatement to call Hayao Miyazaki a visionary, considering his impact on the Japanese animation industry. His methods, opinions, and ideals have revolutionized both storytelling and filmmaking. This stands true for the upcoming artists as well as filmmakers.

In terms of storytelling, Miyazaki gave us a mix of grappling, compelling yet comforting films that often challenged our notions. Be it The Wind Rises or My Neighbor Totoro, there’s a pristine element attached to these works. But in the recent “trends”, the pristineness is reduced to shallowness.

Mahito in a still from The Boy and the Heron | Credit: Ghibli

By now, we all know how AI is butchering Miyazaki’s finesse and his works. What we consider art is reduced to a social media trend for the worse. It is an insult to life, art, and labor, but Ghibli isn’t the one to back down.

Roger Clark is well aware of what humanity and tragedy are; that is what Arthur Morgan, the character from Red Dead Redemption 2 he gave his voice, is about. The voiceover artist sensed something similar that’s depressing not just to him but to the entire community of artists who pour their hearts in for months, even years, to craft something: the AI trend that turns anything into Studio Ghibli’s in-house animated style images.

Recently, he took his thoughts to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on all this AI-madness that’s taking over the internet.

You’re hurting the original art, you’re hurting your audience and you’re hurting yourself.

— Roger Clark (@rclark98) March 28, 2025

Studio Ghibli was co-founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki, Isao Takahata, and Yasuyoshi Tokuma. Since then, it has been delivering its films using its traditional hand-drawn animations. That makes it almost four decades of legacy,...

Animation is an art that thrives on patience, attention, and dedication. But even in this most precise craft, there are scenes that require almost unimaginable levels of hard work. One such scene exists in The Wind Rises (2013), a film directed by Studio Ghibli’s legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki.

The movie is a semi-biographical tale of Jiro Horikoshi, the aeronautical engineer behind Japan’s WWII fighter planes, and is filled with breathtaking visuals and intricate details. But among its numerous jaw-dropping scenes, one stands out, not for its duration, but for the sheer dedication it took to bring it to life.

This particular scene from The Wind Rises took 15 months to animate. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Can you believe it? One of the four-second scenes featuring a wild crowd of people took a whopping one year and three months to animate! This achievement proves just how dedicated Miyazaki is to hand-drawn traditional...

OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4 has a brand new feature that is making anime fans go gaga over it. The 40-image generation trend has now led to a viral trend of people recreating pictures with the traditional Ghibli art style. But it seems like, in the midst of it all, fans have forgotten to respect Hayao Miyazaki himself.

Sure enough, the Ghibli image modification feature has landed OpenAI in hot waters. The company is already grappling with lawsuits over its usage of art styles without any permission from the artists. And fans are hoping that Studio Ghibli sues OpenAI for millions, if not billions of dollars for their overreach.

My Neighbor Totoro by Hayao Miyazaki | Credits: Ghibli

Within just 24 hours of the introduction of the new feature, the Internet was flooded with images recreated in the iconic Ghibli art style. But what disappoints me the most is that those who are familiar...

On March 26, X (formerly known as Twitter) and other social media sites were suddenly and distressingly flooded with noxious, uncanny images. Old memes were suddenly recreated with round-faced, wide-eyed, warmly-lit, pastel animated characters, in a manner that’s initially pleasing but — the longer you look — feels increasingly and disorientingly soulless. Even those who aren’t well-versed in spotting AI-generated works probably wouldn’t be surprised to learn that this wasn’t an artistic trend: All of these images were instead created via OpenAI’s new 4o image generator, done entirely by an algorithm that scanned the beloved works of Studio Ghibli, the powerhouse Japanese animation studio, to replicate the instantly recognizable house style that has made the company such an international cultural juggernaut.

Many fans of Studio Ghibli decried the trend almost immediately, pointing toward generative AI’s infamously negative environmental impact, and — most pertinently — the company’s founder and...

OpenAI’s latest image-generation update has taken social media by storm, as users are flooding X, Instagram, and Reddit with Studio Ghibli-style images generated by AI.

However, amid the viral trend, an old clip of Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki expressing his disdain for AI-generated animation has resurfaced.

Before diving into Miyazaki’s words, let’s take a look at how the trend began.

On March 25, OpenAI launched its “most advanced image generator yet” as part of Gpt‑4o, boasting highly accurate and stylized visuals.

Users quickly discovered that the tool excels at replicating Studio Ghibli’s iconic hand-drawn aesthetic, prompting a surge of AI-generated portraits, landscapes, and reimagined pop culture moments in Ghibli-style.

Hashtags like #GhibliStyle and #AIGhibli have since taken over social media feeds, with even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman joining in on the trend by sharing an AI-generated Ghibli-style version of himself – which is now his profile picture on X.

Hayao Miyazaki requires no introduction when it comes to the anime industry and the millions of fans worldwide. Hailed as one of the foremost anime movie directors in the industry, his contribution is irrefutable in making anime one of the most popular forms of visual media globally.

Legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki | Credits: Instagram / @ghibliusa

However, even his loyal fan base had long harbored one complaint against his intellectual properties. That is the inconclusive nature of the climax of his movies that leaves many people confused repeatedly.

However, one of his movies defied that stereotype with an ending befitting that masterpiece. As such, it is nothing but a shame that the movie failed to bag the Oscar award in 2014 rather than a Disney movie.

Hayao Miyazaki painted a picture of creative and narrative brilliance with The Wind Rises

Hayao Miyazaki has dominated the anime industry for decades. Rightfully so, as...

When most people in the anime community think about memorable anime that came out in the 2010s, plenty of examples come to mind. KonoSuba, No Game No Life, and Re:Zero were some of the best shows that made their debut within the past 10 years. However, this train of thought doesn't hold up for anime movies. Films like Dragon Ball Super: Broly or Your Name were popular during this time, but it's easy to overlook other hidden gems that were released in this era.

These underrated movies deserve much more love. At the time of their release, these were films that received critical acclaim from critics and fans alike. Unfortunately, these films haven't gotten the attention they deserved as time has gone on. These films will stand the test of time as modern classics for anyone who takes the time to watch them.

Weathering With You Delivers a Visually Stunning Emotional...

Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary filmmaker behind Studio Ghibli, is rarely seen outside promotional material for his films. However, a recent photo of the beloved animator has surfaced, offering fans a rare glimpse of him in a casual moment. What makes this image particularly interesting is that it shows Miyazaki without his signature beard, which is an unusual sight for those accustomed to his iconic look. The photo was taken in front of the entrance of Nibaraki, a location with ties to his early career, and was captured by a veteran employee who worked on Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

The image from @khara_inc2 on X has drawn attention not just because of Miyazaki’s rare public appearance, but also due to the presence of Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno. Anno, a longtime friend and collaborator of Miyazaki, played a key role in the development of Nausicaä,...

An exciting new image from Star Wars: VisionsSeason 3 has debuted online as part of the Annecy Festival, offering a first look at the next volume of the animated anthology series on Disney+. The latest innovative take on the galaxy far, far away promises plenty of color, chaos, and combat as a snapshot (seen below) from an upcoming episode, titled "Black," teases a "psychedelic" stormtrooper battle that makes it look like the white-clad soldiers have swapped their blasters for paintball guns as the fight scene includes splashes of oranges, yellows, and blues, creating a very vibrant picture of an otherwise seemingly dark event.

The synopsis for the 13-minute episode promises to disrupt the galaxy with "a psychedelic battle between past and present, light and dark, life and death," which "rages in the tormented psyche of an Imperial soldier near defeat." The description certainly aligns with the first-look image, but the...

Hayao Miyazaki is a master storyteller and director. His films are highly acclaimed all over the world, with two of them receiving the Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature. But one of his movies takes the prize for being the most polarizing one in his filmography.

Miyazaki’s 2013 movie, The Wind Rises, was born out of his love for aircraft. It is clearly a fictionalized retelling of the life of a famous Japanese aircraft engineer during World War II. And to my surprise, the protagonist is voiced by Hideaki Anno.

Hideaki Anno might not have been the best choice for a voice actor Hideaki Anno voiced the protagonist of The Wind Rises | Credits: Ghibli

Hideaki Anno is known for creating the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. His other popular works include Shin Godzilla, Shin Ultraman, Shin Kamen Rider, and many others. However, he is not renowned as a voice actor. But...

Hayao Miyazaki’s The Wind Rises is one of his most controversial films, telling the story of Jiro Horikoshi, the engineer behind Japan’s infamous Mitsubishi Zero fighter plane. In the movie, we see Jiro’s passion for flight blinds him to several moral implications of his work. However, I think it was a deliberate choice as Miyazaki does not idealize or demonize him, rather it leaves us to judge him for ourselves.

A still from The Wind Rises movie. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Some argue the film doesn’t hold Japan accountable enough, especially because it leaves out the massacre of Koreans after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. On the other hand, Japanese far-right extremists are dissatisfied with it for portraying the Japanese military as foolish. This two-way criticism also shows us how Miyazaki is not making a typical moralistic point.

Jiro’s moral blindness: A conscious choice by Hayao...

If the anime industry needs to thank anyone for the global fame and recognition it has achieved in the past few years, it should be Hayao Miyazaki. The co-founder of Studio Ghibli and the creator of some of the greatest anime movies in the world, Miyazaki has been contributing to the growth of the anime industry for over sixty years.

Japanese Creator Hayao Miyazaki | Credit: Instagram@ghibliusa

His works have inspired many other creators and have also represented the world of anime on global stages like the Academy Awards. However, what many people don’t know is that Miyazaki was going to leave the community more than ten years ago. He was going to retire and focus on other aspects of life, as he had given most of his life to anime.

In fact, he even officially confirmed in an interview that he doesn’t have the age to create...

Studio Ghibli's renowned dark fantasy epic, Princess Mononoke, will soon have its 4K theatrical debut in North America.

As detailed on Gkids' official site and its X (formerly Twitter) page, an "all-new 4K restoration" of the Princess Mononoke anime movie will be screened at select IMAX theaters in the U.S. and Canada starting March 26. This event will feature both the original Japanese version (with subtitles) and the Miramax-produced English dub. The special 4K remaster of the film is being released to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Studio Ghibli, which first opened its doors in 1985. In addition to Princess Mononoke, the studio has produced some of the most beloved animated films in Japanese history, including Spirited Away (2001), My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), among many others.

Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke Comes to IMAX Theaters in First-Time Release Count your days. The Wolf Princess is here. 🔥Princess...

Why do Ghibli romances stand out? Why is it that Hayao Miyazaki’s love stories make one feel butterflies in the stomach, the kind that no amount of typical romances can? Even though the physical intimacy between the characters is rarely ever portrayed, these anime films can still reign in their audience.

So how do the characters in Hayao Miyazaki’s films connect so perfectly with each other? How is he able to achieve what most love stories can’t? The answer is simpler than one might think.

Physical displays of love are never the highlights in Hayao Miyazaki’s films Jiro held Naoko’s hand throughout the night in The Wind Rises | Credits: Ghibli

If one watches all of Hayao Miyazaki‘s movies, one might notice that only a few films have characters who kiss each other. The couples in The Wind Rises and Howl’s Moving Castle kiss each other,...

Studio Ghibli mastermind Hayao Miyazaki is known for his master storytelling and animation, but fans often point out that he sorta strays away from the source material when adapting manga or novels. Some of his most well-known adaptations include Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), based on Diana Wynne Jones’ novel of the same name, and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), loosely adapted from his own manga.

Hayao Miyazaki’s film The Boy and the Heron. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

While both are masterpieces, both have been criticized for deviating from the original source material. Given this history, one might expect The Boy and the Heron (How Do You Live? in Japan) to be another questionable adaptation. However, in this case, Miyazaki’s decision to deviate from the original was the right one.

The Boy and the Heron: A personal story disguised as an adaptation

The first thing you should know...

Hayao Miyazaki is one of the few names within the anime industry that needs no introduction. His contributions to the community in the form of prominent anime movies have helped the industry earn global recognition, and thus, he is respected by even the biggest celebrities. Not only that, but the Japanese creator has received the greatest honors for his work.

Japanese Creator Hayao Miyazaki | Credit: Instagram@ghibliusa

He is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli and currently serves as its honorary chairman, but his real passion was creating unique and marvelous anime movies that inspired generations. Although Miyazaki has worked on many different projects, most of his global success came from the twelve movies he created with Studio Ghibli.

Thus, with decades of hard work and accomplishment, it is safe to assume that Miyazaki has made a lot of money during his career. His net worth is one of the highest...

Each and every famous person usually has a moment that completely changes their life, a moment that sparks a fire so bright that it eventually sets them on a path to becoming the person they are today. And so, the legendary Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki is no exception to this.

Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron | Credit: Studio Ghibli

In a past interview, Miyazaki himself revealed that there was this one Chinese love story he saw as a kid, that completely changed his perspective on life and motivated him to finally pursue the career he loved. It’s amazing how one experience can have such a profound impact on our lives!

But what could even be this legendary film that indirectly gave birth to Oscar-winning movies like Spirited Away, The Boy and The Heron?

The film that saved Miyazaki! The Tale of the White Serpent | Credits: Toei Animation...

The Boy and the Heron was released a decade after Hayao Miyazaki’s last film, The Wind Rises. In fact, I became aware of Ghibli movies in between this break, so when the director came out of his retirement to serve the audience with another masterpiece, I was one of the happiest people on Earth.

But as stunning and visually captivating as it is, the story felt a bit lacking and more desolate than Miyazaki’s other works. Despite its Oscar win, The Boy and the Heron could not be called Miyazaki’s best work when movies like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, or My Neighbor Totoro.

Did Hayao Miyazaki hint at his retirement plans via The Boy and the Heron? The tale of the old wizard mirrors that of Hayao Miyazaki | Credits: Ghibli

After watching The Boy and the Heron, the character of the great uncle might...

Anime distributor AnimEigo and parent company MediaOCD have announced the home media Blu-ray release of Nasu: Summer in Andalusia on March 11th.

From studio Madhouse and famed animator Kitaro Kosaka, comes the first anime feature film to ever compete in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival! The new Blu-ray release from AnimEigo includes a recent retrospective interview with Kosaka about his storied career, including his work with Studio Ghibli. The release is in partnership with Synergetic.

Pre-orders are available now at:

https://www.mediaocd.com/product-page/nasu-summer-in-andalusia-blu-ray

Catch the trailer at:

In Any Good Race, It Always Comes Down To The Last Leg!

It’s been a nonstop swelter in Andalusia this summer—even before the hot-blooded cyclists of this year’s La Vuelta came zooming in! Competing as a second-string racer for a third-rate sponsor, Andalusian native Pepe Benengeli isn’t exactly the favorite to win. Well, that is unless...

Hey, you know Hayao Miyazaki, don’t you? That legendary director and one of the top brass at Studio Ghibli? Well, he’s nearly as well-known for announcing his retirement as he is for his incredible contributions to the world of animation. Fans and professionals alike have completely learned not to believe his retirement announcements.

The legendary Studio Ghibli filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. | Credit: Oscars via YouTube

Though he’s announced he’s retired from filmmaking a thousand times, he just can’t resist coming back. His latest film, The Boy and the Heron (2023), was announced to be his last, but rumor has it he’s already considering another big film.

The unstoppable Hayao Miyazaki: A history of abandoned retirements

So recently, Studio Ghibli President Toshio Suzuki, Miyazaki’s longtime friend, and collaborator, has openly admitted during an interview with a French media house called Liberation that he has given up...

Anime production is far from easy. Even the most basic animated sequence requires a massive team of people to spend hours drawing, coloring, and working. Because of this, making an animated film is a monumental undertaking, requiring several years of work, loads of money, and a gargantuan number of people. This is especially true for Studio Ghibli films, as the studio goes above and beyond with its projects, pushing the envelope by giving viewers unique stories, beautiful soundtracks, and sumptuous animation. However, as one Studio Ghibli film shows, this effort isn't always rewarded during awards season.

The Wind Rises arrived on screens in 2013. Directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki, the film is loosely based on Miyazaki's 2009 manga of the same name. The film is a highly fictionalized biography of Jiro Horikoshi, an aeronautical engineer who helped design several of Japan's most well-known warplanes, including the A6M Zero, Mitsubishi J2M Raiden,...